Todt: Bernie has a hearing aid because his hearing was destroyed by the noise

8 April, 2014

Jean Todt with Bernie Ecclestone

When it comes to engine noise, most Formula 1 players are open to turning up the volume of the turbo V6 engines, event though F1 supremo uses a hearing aid according to FIA president Jean Todt.

“We’re examining this problem with the three engine manufacturers involved in Formula 1,” said Todt.

However, the Frenchman – who rebuked Red Bull’s Sebastian Vettel for using an expletive to describe the quieter sound – said it is obvious that those making the loudest complaining noises are the ones who are struggling.

So when it comes to removing fuel flow meters, adding fuel or shortening the race distances, Todt warned that the only way Mercedes’ competitors can catch up is by doing a better job.

“It seems that Mercedes is stronger. I don’t have the power to say ‘let’s slow them down’,” he said.

That attitude is music to Mercedes’ ears.

“I think Jean has taken a very sensible line,” said team boss Paddy Lowe, “so I hope all of that [rule change talk] could be put behind us.”

Without a doubt, Sunday’s thrilling Bahrain Grand Prix has also buried a lot of the arguments about Formula 1 needing to urgently change because the races are boring.

F1 fans during Bahrain pit walk

“I think if we were to ask Nico Rosberg and Lewis Hamilton, they would not see themselves as taxi drivers,” Todt, referring to Ferrari President Luca di Montezemolo’s criticism of the 2014 formula during a visit to his team in the Bahrain paddock.

Britain’s Sun newspaper agreed: “Sorry Luca, the only taxi is for you.”

The actual engine sound, however, is another matter, as even Mercedes agrees that the fans should be listened to.

“If this is an issue, let’s work on it, let’s understand what we can do,” said Toto Wolff. “But this is a defined topic, not the sport as an overall.”

Todt, however, insisted there is even an upside to the quieter engines, “To get passion and emotion, you need to have some noise. We must see if we can implement a bigger noise. My friend Bernie has a hearing aid because his hearing has been destroyed by the noise.” (GMM)